Overview

Messages go out from the number on the connected SIM, and replies can return to that phone’s inbox. The service combines a cloud panel with a REST/JSON API, so it can serve both spreadsheet-driven campaigns and software integrations. That setup is useful when using a controlled SIM matters, but it is not a self-contained messaging service: customers must provide the Android device, SIM, operator SMS credit, power, and internet connection. Carrier costs and fair-use rules apply separately.

Key features

Two-way messaging: Send and receive SMS, with delivery reports when the device and carrier path provide them. MMS, scheduled sending, and auto-replies extend the messaging options; USSD requires support from both handset and operator.
Campaign tools: Excel and CSV imports support bulk sends with personalization from spreadsheet columns. This is practical for contact-based campaigns, though it still depends on the connected phones and SIMs.
API and routing: The HTTPS REST/JSON API and webhooks cover inbound messages, delivery reports, and system events. Examples are provided for PHP, Python, Node.js, Java, and C#. Multi-device plans can spread traffic across phones and SIMs and provide failover if a device drops.
Security and data: The maker describes HTTPS, API keys, two-factor authentication, scoped tokens, session management, and security monitoring. It processes account and contact details, usage and device metadata, delivery reports, and support correspondence, and says it does not sell personal information for advertising. SOC 2 remains on its roadmap; it does not have a completed Type I or Type II report.

Pricing

The Free plan costs 0.00 USD per free and includes one Android device, 300 contacts, and 300 SMS for the lifetime of the plan. Its small, non-renewing message allowance is best treated as a limited evaluation, not an ongoing production quota; demo messages append a www.sms-gateway.app footer.

Starter costs 19.00 USD per month for two Android devices and unlimited platform send volume. It is the lowest-cost paid option for a small setup, but “unlimited” platform volume does not remove operator costs or carrier fair-use limits. Professional costs 39.00 USD per month for five devices and the same platform-volume allowance, making it the more suitable tier for teams that need more SIM endpoints or failover capacity. Business costs 77.00 USD per month for 15 devices and unlimited platform send volume; it is the widest listed multi-device tier and includes email and phone support.

Developer costs 50.00 USD per year, billed yearly, for one Android device and 25,000 SMS per year. It is the lower-commitment-volume choice for a single-device integration whose traffic fits that annual quota, but its annual cap distinguishes it from the unlimited platform-volume monthly plans. The Free, Starter, and Developer plans include email support with a 24–48 hour response window; Professional adds priority email. A free trial is also offered, but no separate trial duration or terms are given.

Platforms

The service covers Android, API, and web. The app requires Android 5.0 or newer; USSD and some other handset-dependent functions require Android 8.0 or newer. Older Android hardware therefore cannot access every listed capability, and device compatibility should be checked before building around those functions.

Who it's for

This is a good fit for developers and teams sending OTPs, alerts, transactional messages, or campaigns through SIMs they control, especially when replies to the real SIM number matter. It is less suitable for buyers who want messaging without managing phones, connectivity, operator credit, or carrier rules. Organizations requiring a completed SOC 2 report should also look elsewhere for now.

Pros and cons

Pros: Messages originate from a controlled SIM number, with replies able to reach its inbox; API, webhooks, and spreadsheet campaigns cover both integrations and bulk sends; multi-device plans add routing and failover.
Cons: Customers bear responsibility for the phone, SIM, power, internet, and operator charges; the free plan is capped at 300 lifetime SMS and demo messages carry a footer; Android version requirements restrict some features, and SOC 2 certification is not complete.

Alternatives

SMS Gateway Software is a useful place to compare other options. Consider Ozeki SMS Gateway if you want a paid gateway with Linux, Windows, and self-hosted platform support; its listed 5 MPM plan is a one-time 1490.00 EUR and includes one service-provider connection and 10 users. Textmagic is another paid option, with Android, iOS, web, and API support; its Essential plan charges 0.05 USD per month on a 100% prepaid basis, with rates varying by destination and 160 plain-text characters per SMS part.

NowSMS is a paid alternative whose Modem Edition supports multiple GSM modems or Android phones, with a one-time 370.00 GBP license based on modem count. Choose Clickatell SMS API if API and web access without an Android-device requirement better fits; its prepaid plan is pay-as-you-go, with message prices varying by destination and message type. simhook offers a free tier capped at 30 messages a day, 500 a month, one phone, and 25 recipients per send, as well as a free self-hosted plan.

Sinch Engage is a paid alternative with tiered SMS quotas and user limits, including 3,000 SMS per month and one user on Basics. Messente combines SMS, WhatsApp, and Viber access with dashboard and API access on its Essential plan. SMSBOX offers API, web, and Windows support; its free test credits are limited to eight one-off messages sent to a verified number.

Verdict

Choose Android SMS Gateway if your software needs to send from SIMs you control and you can operate the phones and carrier connections that make that possible. Its API, two-way messaging, campaigns, and multi-device routing make it a credible fit for SIM-based workflows. Look elsewhere if you need a service that removes handset and operator responsibilities, or if a completed SOC 2 report is a requirement.

	Android SMS Gateway	BulkGate
Free plan	Yes
Free trial	Yes	Yes
Paid from	$4.17/mo
Platforms	Android, api, Web	Android, api, Web
Free plan	Yes	No
Paid from	19 /mo
Two-way messaging	Yes	Yes
Delivery reports	Yes
Inbound SMS	Yes
Contact management	Yes
API access	Yes
Pay-as-you-go		Yes
SMS API		Yes
Delivery status		Yes
Webhooks		Yes

Android SMS Gateway vs BulkGate

Android SMS Gateway

BulkGate